Quick take: Sarathi/Parivahan is the official starting point, but the exact online steps, test availability, fees and required documents vary by state and licence class. Use this guide to understand the sequence, then confirm the final checklist on your state’s Sarathi flow before paying.
Where this guide can differ by state
Licence services are implemented through state transport authorities using Sarathi/Parivahan, so the exact screen, remote learner-test availability, appointment rules and user charges can differ. That is why the official state flow is the final checklist.
Reliable sequence for a first licence
- Select your state in Sarathi and start the learner-licence application.
- Upload/submit the documents requested for your category and complete the learner test as instructed by the state.
- Hold a valid learner licence for the minimum period required before the driving test; Parivahan’s permanent-licence guidance states at least 30 days.
- Book the test of competence and take the appropriate vehicle/documents requested by the RTO.
- Track issuance through the official portal rather than paying an agent for “faster approval.”
Fees shown inside Sarathi are more reliable than a blog total because state user charges and service combinations vary. Use this article for the process, and the live portal for the amount you actually pay.
Getting a driving licence in India used to mean taking half a day off work, standing in a long queue at the RTO, and hoping the officer at the counter was in a good mood.
Many stages can now be started online through Sarathi/Parivahan, but the exact level of online service differs by state. Remote learner testing is available only where the state has enabled it, and the permanent driving test still requires the competence test arranged by the licensing authority.
Here is the complete process.
Step 1 — Go to the Official Portal
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
This is the official Ministry of Road Transport portal. Do not use any third-party agents or websites — they charge fees for a process you can do yourself for free (except the government fee).
Select your state from the dropdown menu.
Step 2 — Apply for Learning Licence First
You cannot apply for a permanent driving licence without first holding a learning licence for at least 30 days.
On the Sarathi portal: Driving Licence → Apply for Learner Licence → fill the application form
The documents requested depend on your state, age, vehicle class and verification method. Common examples can include proof of age, proof of address, a photograph/signature and Aadhaar-based verification where that option is supported. Treat the document checklist shown in your state’s live Sarathi application as the final requirement rather than relying on a fixed national list.
The learner-licence fee and user charges are shown in the live Sarathi flow and can vary by state/service combination.
Step 3 — Complete the Learner Licence Test
The learner-licence test checks your understanding of road signs, traffic rules and basic road-safety requirements. Do not rely on one nationwide question count or passing score: the test format, language options, remote-test availability and appointment process can depend on the state or Union Territory handling your application.
After selecting your state in Sarathi, follow the test instructions shown for your application. Use the official learner-licence study or sample-question material provided through the portal where available. If your state has not enabled a remote test, you may need to attend the licensing office/RTO as instructed.
Step 4 — Receive Your Learning Licence
After you pass, follow the state portal’s instructions for downloading or receiving the learner licence. Parivahan states that a learner licence is valid for six months and that an applicant can apply for a new driving licence after 30 days.
Step 5 — Apply for Permanent Driving Licence
After 30 days of holding your learning licence:
Sarathi Portal → Apply for Driving Licence → select your learning licence number
Book a driving test appointment at your nearest RTO. This is the one step that still requires a physical visit in most states.
Documents to carry on test day:
- Learning licence (printed or on DigiLocker)
- Aadhaar card original
- Application fee receipt
Driving-test, licence and user charges are shown in the live Sarathi flow and can vary by state and vehicle class.
Step 6 — The Driving Test
The driving test at most RTOs involves:
- Basic vehicle control demonstration
- Driving on a marked track with specific manoeuvres
- Knowledge of hand signals in some RTOs
The competence test is conducted by the authorised licensing authority. Parivahan states that you should bring the appropriate class of vehicle and demonstrate the driving tasks required under the applicable rules. Practise the required manoeuvres and follow the instructions for your test centre rather than assuming every RTO uses an identical track.
Step 7 — Receive Your Permanent Licence
After you pass the competence test, the licensing authority processes the driving licence. Parivahan’s permanent-licence guidance states that successful candidates are issued a licence and that it is sent by Speed Post to the address supplied in the application.
Processing and delivery times can vary by state and individual application, so use Sarathi/Parivahan status tracking rather than relying on a fixed 7-, 14- or 21-day promise.
Fees
Use the amount shown in your state’s Sarathi application flow. Central fee components and state user charges can differ, so a fixed all-India total can become outdated.
Sources and verification
The national-level process details in this guide were rechecked against Parivahan on 18 September 2026. State transport authorities can vary the online flow, documents, appointment rules and user charges, so the live Sarathi flow for your state remains the final checklist.
- Parivahan Sewa — Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
- Sarathi licence services
- Parivahan — learner licence validity
- Parivahan — permanent licence procedure
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